This story is from February 22, 2024
Stellantis has announced plans to commence production of medium-sized electric vans at its Luton facility in England by 2025, marking a significant development for a factory that has been a cornerstone of van production for 92 years, reported Reuters. This decision provides a level of assurance for the future of the plant. Starting in the spring of the following year, Luton will roll out five electric models, including the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, Peugeot E-Expert, and Fiat Professional E-Scudo, catering to both right- and left-hand drive markets.
While the plant will continue manufacturing combustion engine models, specific investment details for the new electric lineup were not disclosed by the automaker. This move comes as existing car assembly plants across Europe are vying for future electric models to ensure their longevity, especially with the impending European Union ban on combustion-engine cars set to take effect in 2035.
Stellantis’ decision to expand electric vehicle production in the UK is part of a broader trend seen in the industry, with Nissan and Tata Group also making substantial commitments in this direction. UK industry minister Nusrat Ghani welcomed Stellantis’ decision, hailing it as a vote of confidence in the UK economy and a testament to the government’s efforts to bolster the auto industry.
However, industry leaders have stressed the importance of government support to stimulate demand for electric vehicles. Stellantis’ UK group managing director Maria Grazia Davino emphasized the need for the UK government to incentivize the electric vehicle market further and support manufacturers investing in the country for a sustainable transition.
While the plant will continue manufacturing combustion engine models, specific investment details for the new electric lineup were not disclosed by the automaker. This move comes as existing car assembly plants across Europe are vying for future electric models to ensure their longevity, especially with the impending European Union ban on combustion-engine cars set to take effect in 2035.
Stellantis’ decision to expand electric vehicle production in the UK is part of a broader trend seen in the industry, with Nissan and Tata Group also making substantial commitments in this direction. UK industry minister Nusrat Ghani welcomed Stellantis’ decision, hailing it as a vote of confidence in the UK economy and a testament to the government’s efforts to bolster the auto industry.
However, industry leaders have stressed the importance of government support to stimulate demand for electric vehicles. Stellantis’ UK group managing director Maria Grazia Davino emphasized the need for the UK government to incentivize the electric vehicle market further and support manufacturers investing in the country for a sustainable transition.
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